Written by Rachel Bundy
The 2024 Holiday on 44th event on December 6 transformed a winter night into a vibrant community celebration, drawing over 1,000 residents on a charming green vintage trolley that wound its way through 44th Avenue from Loring Elementary to Camden High School.
A night of music and merriment
From Loring Elementary’s entrance to the cafeteria stage, the event pulsed with incredible musical performances. Attendees were welcome to Loring by an electrifying Glow-in-the-Dark Dance Party with DJ Superbrush 427, followed by powerful performances by local talents Rachel Kurtz, Nuestra Lucha, the esteemed JD Steele with the MacPhail Youth Choir, and a mesmerizing performance by trumpet player Omar Abdulkarim and his quartet that kept the crowd engaged well past 9 p.m.
Community involvement and festive activities
Local organizations brought the event to life. Local Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops hosted activities in the Loring Gym, neighborhood organizations and Pentz Homes hosted kid’s crafts at both Loring and Camden High School. A delicious cake walk hosted by the Loring PTA featured treats from Dancing Bear Chocolate, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Lunds-Byerly’s bakeries. A talented face painter brought joy to children’s faces. In the Loring Cafeteria, Wha’Jamaican delighted taste buds with aromatic cuisine. At Camden High School, delicious BBQ from Rollin’ Nollen’s filled our bellies before we shopped with over 50 local and exceptional craft fair vendors, learned of local resources, and ate the infamous egg rolls from Camden High School’s Asian Club or tried to win a huge basket of goodies from the Camden High School Boosters.
Special guests and surprises
Mayor Jacob Frey made a memorable appearance, clearly enjoying the community spirit. He took photos with Twin Cities Black Santa and Mrs. Claus, mingled with neighbors and celebrated the joyful atmosphere.
Councilwoman Vetaw welcomed neighbors into the Camden High School gym with special “I Love North Minneapolis” ornaments, and an oversized blow-up gingerbread man!
Trolley stops packed with excitement
Each stop offered unique experiences. In addition to Loring Elementary and Camden High School, the trolley also stopped at Hot Comics and Faith Baptist.
• Faith Baptist welcomed visitors with a live Nativity, petting zoo, hot chocolate and a warm bonfire.
• Hot Comics gave away special prizes for attendees and featured DJ Curry FX Productions, a Fire Juggler, Spidey Guy, a Winter Princess, s’mores, D&D Goodies, and a Minneapolis Fire Department truck.
Gratitude and community spirit
The event’s success was made possible by numerous sponsors and volunteers, including:
• Neighborhood Organizations: Victory, Shingle Creek, Webber-Camden and Lind Bohanon.
• Our Event Coordinators – Jessica Bucholz and Ariel Warne with Rachel Bundy.
• Businesses: Webber Mart, Pentz Homes, Stephanie Gruver Group with Remax Results, Hot Comics, Faith Baptist, Corner Church and Corner Coffee for financial support and volunteer support.
• Local businesses and organizations that participated and brought life to our party.
• Supporters: Metropolitan Regional Arts Council. This activity is funded, in part, by an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State’s general fund.
As the night proved, Holiday on 44th is more than an event—it’s a testament to the power of community, creativity and collective joy. We look forward to bringing this celebration back next year, continuing to unite and celebrate our vibrant Northside Community.